Malia Johnston, Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete come together to create a  powerful collage of imagery and movement that transcends time and space. Through a collaborative and co-authroship process these 3 choreographers worked together with the design team to create a surreal and transcendent work that, through strong imagry, reflects  themes of death, life, spirit, creature and culture.  The true story of Te Aokapurangi, a young maiden from Mokoia Island, influenced the starting point of this production. She was captured in battle by a tribe from the far North. Many years later she returned and single handedly saved her people from slaughter. Te Aokapurangi has been the pivotal inspiration behind this work. The story of her courage, determination and fearlessness provides Okareka with the challenge to create a vision of strength that empowers women around the world. Mana Wahine is a commanding work that will uplift the spiritual status of “the woman” within us all. This is a 70min performance that has toured extensively throughout New Zealand.  Premiered June/July 2014. On tour 2016 to Auckland and Wellington

“Mana Wahine is above all a rich fusion of choreography, music, tikanga Maori and performance practices, AV, lighting and performance design … enriched and enlivened by the dancing of five powerhouse performers.” Raewyn Whyte, Theatreview

AV Design - Rowan Pierce, Music - Victoria Kelly, Lighting - VandaKarolczak, Set Design- Tracey Collins, Costume Design - Elizabeth Whiting.  Dancers Nancy Wijohn, Bianca Hyslop, Jana Castillo, Maria Munkowits, Chrissy Kokiri

REVIEWS:

12 JULY 2014 – OTAGO DAILY TIMES

06 JULY 2014 – NZ HERALD – TAIAROA ROYAL MY HAPPY PLACE

06 JULY 2014 – KEEPING UP WITH NZ

03 JULY 2014 – NZ HERALD

03 JULY 2014 – THEATREVIEW

03 JULY 2014 – THEATRE SCENES

02 JULY 2014 – DANCE INFORMA MAGAZINE

28 JUNE 2014 – NZ THEATREVIEW

28 JUNE 2014 – NZ HERALD

15 FEBRUARY 2014 – CONTEMPORARY MAORI DANCE.COM REVIEW